Memphis labor unions, city administration meet over pay cuts

Employee labor unions spent most of Monday negotiating with the city of Memphis in an attempt to settle a federal lawsuit related to the city's 2011 decision to reduce wages by 4.6 percent.

The formal mediation was scheduled by U.S. Dist. Judge Samuel "Hardy" Mays in July. It represents the latest step in an ongoing conflict over wages and benefits for city employees — representatives of the city of Memphis have said tight finances forced the wage cut, while unions are seeking better terms for workers.

The two sides are discussing issues including back pay, death benefits and the validity of bargaining agreements, said Joe Norman, vice president of the Memphis Fire Fighters, one of the employee labor unions involved in the talks.

The judge has also set a May 19 trial date. If the mediation settles the issues, there will be no trial, said Allan Wade, an attorney representing the city. He wouldn't discuss what the two sides talked about Monday.

Mediation may or may not continue, Wade said. "Each side is going to reflect on what happened today to determine if we need to go back."